WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University welcomes the call for proposals issued today by the Ontario government for new or expanded university campuses to meet the growing demand for quality post-secondary education in Ontario.

Laurier has been working with the Town of Milton since 2008 to bring post-secondary education to Canada’s fastest-growing municipality. Strong support from the Town, Halton Region and the local business community highlights the extraordinary potential for innovative partnerships in Milton.

A Laurier Milton campus would address all of the expectations outlined by the province today:

• Increased post-secondary spaces in underserved areas.

• Improved quality, innovation and competitiveness.

• Demonstrated cost-effectiveness to both students and taxpayers.

• Economic growth and innovation in Ontario’s economy.

“We commend the province for committing to investment in new university campuses that meet the needs of growing communities and in a rapidly changing world,” said Laurier President Max Blouw. “These are investments that will underpin Ontario’s cultural, social and economic prosperity.”

Laurier has proven experience in developing new, scaleable campuses through a strategic multi-campus and multi-partner approach. Our highly successful campus in Brantford has grown to more than 3,000 students since 1999, fueling the revitalization of the city’s downtown core while providing innovative programming and increased access to students from the region and further afield.

Provincial investment in Laurier Milton will create a hub for new-economy innovation and entrepreneurship, and capitalize on a unique partnership that leverages community, academic and private-sector resources.

Laurier looks forward to working with the Government of Ontario and our Milton partners toward what we believe are shared goals of high quality, accessible and affordable post-secondary education that recognizes the value of teaching and learning, invests in our students, our institutions and our communities.